Meet Tianyi You | Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tianyi You and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tianyi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose to become an artist because a part of me can be preserved through my work. This “part” might be my observations of life, my growing pains, my insights, a beautiful period I experienced, or my love for someone. Creating art is my favorite way of recording these moments; recording—preserving memories—is the essence of my life. Additionally, being able to connect with others through my work brings me the greatest happiness.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I come from the central-southern region of China, from a family with no connection to art. My passion for illustration began during my college years when I opted for a landscape gardening major solely for the watercolor classes in the curriculum. Over time, I realized that drawing was my true love. I began teaching myself illustration and created a portfolio to apply to schools in the United States. Today, I am at MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) in the MFA Illustration Practice program, a dream I’ve had since 2019. I have just completed my first year and have received awards such as the Bologna Winner Illustrator and the 3×3 Merit Award.
I am an illustrator who excels at line drawing, especially using Chinese brushes. The unique balance between control and imperfection in brush lines captivates me and defines my style. My creations are deeply inspired by my daily life, conversations with friends, and personal reflections. What sets me apart is my ability to find humor and interesting ideas in everyday life and present them through my illustrations. I aim to inspire others who appreciate life to document their experiences and find joy in everyday moments.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I currently live in Baltimore, and my best friend will be flying in from Atlanta next week. I plan to start by taking her to my favorite spot, the National Aquarium. We’ll explore the exhibits and then enjoy some fresh oysters and my favorite crab cake and fries nearby.

We’ll also visit the Maryland Science Center for some interactive fun, and later, we’ll spend an afternoon at the Baltimore Museum of Art to appreciate its extensive collection. A meal at Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen will follow, offering delicious, locally sourced food.

For some fun and relaxation, we’ll explore Fort McHenry and catch a baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. In the evenings, we’ll explore Baltimore’s vibrant food scene, dining at places like Dylan’s Oyster Cellar and Thames Street Oyster House.

With this itinerary, my friend will get to experience the best of Baltimore’s attractions, food, and culture, ensuring an unforgettable visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to express my gratitude to my first art teacher, Ms. Li. I remember her first class where she made everyone loudly declare, “I, I love, I love art, I love art class!” Ms. Li influenced me profoundly in two ways. First, she made me realize that art is practical and can appear in every nook and cranny, making life more fun and interesting. Second, she encouraged us to abandon erasers. Because in art class, there were no “mistakes” that needed “correction,” I began to cherish each stroke I made and gradually started to appreciate my own creations, embracing every accidental “surprise.” This early realization taught me that drawing doesn’t have to strictly follow “rules.” You can have your own “technique,” and within your own set of rules, they are not mistakes and don’t need to be erased. I also began to understand that accuracy is not the only goal of drawing; wobbly lines can be fun and interesting too. This realization contributed to the development of my own style, as I have always followed my own personality and preferences, accepting my “whimsicality.”

Website: https://yooteenii.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yooteenii/

Image Credits
Tianyi You